Chicken Pox Vaccine: How It Is Important

Chicken Pox Vaccine

[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ave your kids had the chicken pox vaccine? Never underestimate a chicken pox. Sure, it may be mild and not life-threatening but it won’t be so with a small group of people who are very sensitive to the condition. If you happen to be one of these small percentage of people, it is likely that the seemingly harmless chicken pox can lead to life-threatening and serious condition. So, before it is too late, get yourself and your kids the legit shot – or you may regret the decision.

Chicken Pox Vaccine: Understanding the Issue

As the name suggests, the chicken pox vaccine is basically a medical injection that will protect you from the chicken pox. Sometimes called as varicella vaccine, this vaccine is basically a weakened and lived virus that is less harmful than the real one. The weakened virus is injected to the body with the hope to activate the body’s response and stimulate the immune system. People who have had the vaccine tend to have better immune system against the varicella-zoster virus (the one that is responsible for the ailment) so they won’t be sick.

It is pretty rare to have people died from chicken pox but before 1995, 100 deaths because of the disease were recorded along with 11,000 hospitalizations. The virus can cause complications that can lead to other fatal conditions. The group with higher risk of death includes adults, infants, and those with weak immune system.

Having the vaccine is basically a must, considering the fact that it is a super contagious disease. The airborne virus can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and also a direct contact. If you suspect yourself suffering from the chicken pox, it is imperative that you stay at home and avoid contact with anyone until all of the blisters are dried. The liquid from the blisters are highly contagious too. The chicken pox can cause an overall feeling of uncomfortable and itchiness, accompanied by dizziness, coughing, and also headaches. It takes around 10 days to completely recovery, meaning that the patients will have to stay away from work or school.

Chicken Pox Vaccine: Getting One

Who should get the chicken pox vaccine, anyway? Well, basically kids under 13 years of age and adults who haven’t got the shot at all (and they haven’t suffered from the condition). In most places in the United States, kids or adults should show their chicken pox immunity proof before they can get into school, universities, and colleges. Even most child care facilities require such documentation. If you already suffer from chicken pox, there is no need to get the vaccine as your body has formed its own natural immunity against the virus.

The shots will be administered in two dosages, usually in different times. The first one will be administered when the kids are in between the age of 12 months and 18 months. The second one will be administered when they are between 4 years and 6 years old. If the shots are given to adults, there should be four weeks to eight differences between the first chicken pox vaccine and the second one.